The change has occurred because the landlord has terminated the lease on the site.
On December 31st, there was still a lot of activity at the stops, and while some passengers admitted they were aware of the change in bus timetables, others knew nothing about it and were surprised to learn their wait for a ride could prove considerably longer than expected.
Ainis, a passenger from Kekava district admitted that he did not notice the signs at the old bus stop telling him of the imminent change.
“Not at all. Really. Cool. I'll have to take a look. Thank you for telling me. Otherwise I would have come tomorrow and there would be no minibus!” Ainis told LTV.
According to officials 14 routes out of the 15 that have been stopping at the station until now will arrive and depart at Riga International Bus Station instead. The Riga-Sarma-Baldone route is being moved to a nearby stop on Elizabetes Street.
However, these are only interim measures. The new arrangements will apply throughout January and possibly February, pending the conclusion of negotiations with the Riga City Council on optimal model for passengers, which could see stops appearing at other locations in the city center.
For now passengers will be able to buy tickets from the drivers, but in future tickets should also be available from the bus station ticket offices.